The Health Research Authority (HRA) recognises the importance of the appointment of Chair and Vice Chair positions and the influence this has on its organisational effectiveness. The HRA will expect Chairs and Vice Chairs to provide leadership and direction to Research Ethics Committee members to support and take forward Research Ethics Service (RES) initiatives. The HRA will expect Chairs and Vice Chairs to be an ambassador for the HRA in their dealings with external stakeholders and researchers.
The standard term which a REC member may serve as a Chair or Vice Chair is five years; this may be followed by a second term of up to five years. The appointment process set out below for Chairs and Vice Chairs of Research Ethics Committees is in line with the UK REC Policy Document.